Zenith XL-Tronic - 20-866-5000

This is the Zenith that proves the brand was at the cutting edge, even as the watch world was changing forever. This stunning Zenith XL-Tronic in its bold, tonneau-shaped, gold-plated case houses a secret that your average customer would never guess: it's not a noisy mechanical watch, nor is it a sterile quartz watch; it is a glorious Tuning Fork "Hummer." That means it runs on the famous ESA 9162 caliber (re-badged as the Zenith Cal. 50.0), a movement designed by none other than Max Hetzel, the genius who created the legendary Bulova Accutron!

The real hook for the knowledgeable collector is the experience. When you hold this watch up to your ear, you won't hear a tick, you'll hear a faint, high-pitched hum or buzz from the tuning fork vibrating at 300 times per second ($300 \text{ Hz}$)! This high frequency also gives the seconds hand a perfectly smooth, sweeping motion that’s visually captivating and far smoother than almost any mechanical watch ever made, combining mechanical beauty with quartz-like accuracy.

Zenith, who would briefly suspend all mechanical production for this type of technology, positioned the XL-Tronic as a pinnacle of precision. The beautifully preserved champagne sunburst dial, applied indices, and practical date window (often with a rare quick-set function by pulling the crown) are all hallmarks of premium Swiss design from the era. This watch doesn't just tell time; it lets you own the sound of watchmaking history, making it an utterly unique and fascinating addition to any collection—the ultimate conversation starter!